From Small Claims to Complex Commercial Disputes
Before we file anything, we assess whether the defendant can pay and whether the cost is justified. If litigation makes sense, we pursue it. If it doesn't, we'll tell you.
It varies enormously. A straightforward breach of contract case might cost $5,000–$15,000 through trial. A complex commercial dispute with experts and extensive discovery can exceed $50,000. We provide cost estimates at the outset and update them as the case develops.
Most civil cases in Bucks County take 12–24 months from filing to trial, assuming no appeals. Many cases settle earlier. Complex cases can take longer.
That depends on whether you can collect a judgment, the strength of your case, and whether the expected recovery justifies the cost and time of litigation. We'll give you an honest assessment.
It varies by claim type. Breach of contract is 4 years. Personal injury is 2 years. Property damage is 2 years. Fraud is 2 years from discovery. Don't wait — deadlines can bar your claim permanently.
No. The vast majority of civil cases settle before trial — estimates range from 90–95%. Bucks County requires mediation in most cases, which resolves many disputes.
Generally no. Pennsylvania follows the 'American Rule' — each side pays their own fees unless a statute or contract provides otherwise. Some specific statutes (wage claims, consumer protection) do allow fee-shifting.
File a Civil Complaint (Form AOPC 308A) at the Magisterial District Court that has jurisdiction. The MDJ handles civil claims up to $12,000. You don't need a lawyer but it's advisable for anything complex. Use the PA Courts interactive map to find your MDJ.
You can appeal to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days. The appeal is a trial de novo — the case starts completely over. Consider whether the cost of appeal justifies the amount at stake.
It depends on whether a landlord-tenant relationship exists. If there is a lease or rental agreement (written or oral), you file for eviction at the Magisterial District Court under Pa.R.Civ.P.M.D.J. 501. But if there is no lease — for example, a family member living in your property, a squatter, or someone who stayed after a land contract failed — the MDJ has no jurisdiction. You must file an action in ejectment at the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, which is a longer and more expensive process. Getting this wrong wastes time and money, so confirm your situation before filing.
No — Pennsylvania classifies micromobility devices differently under Title 75. E-bikes (pedalcycle with electric assist, under 750W, under 20 mph on motor alone) require lights at night but no license, registration, or insurance. Riders must be 16+. Motorized pedalcycles (under 25 mph, under 1.5 brake HP) require a Class C license, registration, and insurance. Motor scooters (under 5 brake HP) require a Class M or C license. Electric scooters (like e-skateboards) cannot legally operate on public roads at all. DUI laws apply to motorized pedalcycles, motor scooters, and e-bikes, but not to Segways or regular bicycles. See PennDOT's Micromobility Fact Sheet on our Resources page for the complete comparison chart.
You sit in a conference room, are sworn in by a court reporter, and the opposing attorney asks you questions. Your attorney is present but can't coach you. Everything you say is on the record and can be used at trial. The key rules: listen carefully, answer only what was asked, don't volunteer, don't guess, and say 'I don't recall' when that's honestly the case. Your attorney should prepare you beforehand.
Almost certainly, if they're relevant to the case. Electronic records — emails, texts, social media posts, voicemails, cloud files — are all discoverable. Once litigation is anticipated, you have a duty to preserve everything. Deleting records after that point can result in sanctions, including the court telling the jury to assume whatever you destroyed was harmful to your case.
The plaintiff will request a default judgment — and the court will enter judgment against you without a hearing. You lose by forfeit. If you've been served, you have 20 days to respond. Contact an attorney immediately. Default judgments can sometimes be opened, but only if you act fast and have a good excuse.
Written questions the other side sends you that you must answer in writing, under oath. Unlike federal court, Pennsylvania does not impose a strict numerical limit on interrogatories — but the court can rein in requests that are unduly burdensome. You have 30 days to respond. Your answers are binding — if you say something different at trial, your credibility is destroyed. Take them seriously and review your answers with your attorney before signing.
Several depending on whether it's new or used. For new vehicles: the PA Lemon Law (73 P.S. § 1951) may apply if the defect substantially impairs use/value/safety and can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. For new or used: breach of warranty claims under the UCC (implied warranty of merchantability) and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. For dealer fraud (concealed accident history, rolled-back odometer): UTPCPL claims with potential treble damages and attorney fee recovery. Document every defect and repair visit in writing.
The Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (73 P.S. § 201-1 et seq.) is Pennsylvania's primary consumer protection statute. It matters because it provides treble damages (up to 3x your actual losses) and attorney fee-shifting — meaning the defendant pays your legal fees if you win. This makes even smaller consumer claims viable. It covers home improvement fraud, vehicle misrepresentation, deceptive business practices, and more.
This is potentially both a UTPCPL violation (home improvement fraud) and common law fraud/breach of contract. The UTPCPL is powerful here because it provides treble damages and attorney's fees. File a police report for theft by deception. Then consult an attorney — the fee-shifting provision means you may be able to pursue the claim even if the deposit amount alone wouldn't justify litigation costs.
Generally no — if you signed a contract with a binding arbitration clause, courts will typically enforce it under the Federal Arbitration Act. However, arbitration clauses can sometimes be challenged as unconscionable (meaning the terms are so one-sided that no reasonable person would agree to them). Bring the contract to an attorney for review before assuming you have no options.
Under Pa.R.Civ.P. 1301, civil cases up to $50,000 in Bucks County must go through compulsory arbitration before a three-attorney panel. This is non-binding — either party can appeal to a trial de novo within 30 days. However, if your trial result isn't better than the arbitration award, you may be responsible for the arbitrators' fees. Many cases settle at or after the arbitration stage.
In most cases, yes. Mediation is faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than litigation. It's particularly effective in business disputes, estate conflicts, and neighbor/property issues. Many Bucks County judges will order mediation anyway, so trying it early can save months. The main exception: if the other side is acting in bad faith or you need emergency relief (like a temporary restraining order), go directly to court.
Free consultations available for most practice areas.
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